Endolumenal device for delivering and deploying an endolumenal expandable prosthesis

ABSTRACT

Endolumenal device for delivering and positioning an endolumenal expandable prosthesis for a bifurcation between a principal conduit and at least one secondary conduit, comprising an elongated body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the elongated body comprises expansion device. Guidewire tracking device extend at least partially along said elongated body and comprise at least one pair of guidewire lumens. At least one of said guidewire lumens extends at least partially remaining attached to the wall of said expansion device.

The subject of the present invention is an endolumenal device for delivering and deploying an endolumenal expandable prosthesis. In particular, the present invention refers to a device comprising an elongated body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion of said elongated body comprises expansion means removably engageable with the endolumenal expandable prosthesis and adapted to adjust said prosthesis from a radially collapsed condition to a radially expanded condition. Said device also comprises a guidewire tracking means extending at least partially along said elongated body.

As is known, devices of the type described above are used for delivering and deploying, meaning in particular fitting or implanting, prostheses or stents endolumenally within conduit systems, such as for example vessels carrying body fluids and, in particular, lumens in the bodies of human beings and animals. Said vessels for the transportation of fluids are, for example, arterial blood vessels, such as coronary, mesenteric, peripheral and cerebral arteries, veins or gastrointestinal tracts.

Using the abovementioned devices it is possible, for example, to implant endolumenal prostheses, or stents, in a vessel in which arteriosclerotic plaque, or arteriostenosis, has partially or completely occluded the lumen. Said prosthesis forms a radial support for the surrounding wall of the lumen and prevents it partially or completely occluding again, once it has been dilated by the expansion means. These operations are carried out using known angioplasty techniques. Techniques of this type are, for example, described in the publication “The New Manual of Interventional Cardiology” edited by Mark Freed, Cindy Grines and Robert D. Safian, Division of Cardiology at William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Mich.; Physicians' Press 1996.

It is also known that the use of said techniques of angioplasty for percutaneous or endolumenal revascularization is increasingly used as an alternative to standard by-bass and thromboendoarteriectomy surgical procedures, not only in cases with acute complications, such as dissection of the vessel and acute occlusion, but also in the elective treatment of coronary and systemic arteriosclerotic lesions.

The widespread use of these techniques is considerably limited by the significant difficulties presented by the known endolumenal devices when they are used on vascular ramifications or bifurcations of the system of conduits (bifurcation lesions).

It is known that operations on bifurcation lesions are frequently subject to procedural failures and acute complications, because the known devices cause occlusion of that branch of the bifurcation which originates near the area in which the prosthesis is fitted.

In particular, due to the activation of the expansion means in a first branch of the bifurcation, the atheromatous material of the plaques is protruded and displaced until it obstructs the ostium of a second branch of the bifurcation, (a problem known as snow-plow or plaque-shifting).

Due to the abovementioned snow-plough or plaque-shifting, the ostium of the occluded branch must again be rendered accessible, or regained, by re-introducing a guidewire through a barrier consisting of the plaque previously protruded and displaced until it obstructed the lumen.

In other words, it is necessary, following the implanting of the first prosthesis, to insert a second guidewire and a second prosthesis into the occluded branch, passing through the meshes or struts of the first prosthesis. Even when it is possible to regain access to the occluded branch, the operation becomes extremely lengthy and, in any case, the results depend very much on the experience of the surgeon.

Where the above-described bifurcation lesions are present it is therefore essential that the operation is carried out in highly qualified centres, fully equipped for cardiac surgery, that may be called upon urgently in the case of damage following occlusions caused during the endolumenal operation and lack of success in regaining the ostium.

Due to the abovementioned difficulties, the use of stents with wide apertures to allow the passage of the prosthesis and the introduction of a guidewire into the branches has been proposed. However, these wide apertures can give rise to an increase in prolapse of plaque through the meshes and, therefore, imperfect vascularization and increased probability of re-stenosis.

One alternative that has been proposed is the simultaneous use of two devices fitted with expansion means for the simultaneous insertion of two stents in each of the branches of the bifurcation (paired or kissing devices), or of a single bifurcated stent.

This known solution however is very bulky and difficult to manoeuvre and can only be used in large vessels and in neighbouring portions. In other words, it is impossible to use this known solution in peripheral branches, where the formation of atheromes or arteriosclerotic plaques is more likely. Furthermore, in order to insert the known paired devices it is necessary to use large-diameter guide catheters. The greater bulk of the paired devices occludes the vessel during insertion causing ischemia during the procedure and making it impossible to inject a contrast medium which is useful for visualizing the path for the correct positioning, first of the guidewire and then of the endolumenal devices fitted with the prosthesis.

The use of paired devices also lacks versatility, above all in the case of a single bifurcated stent, since the three vascular segments which make up the bifurcation—the proximal principal vessel, the principal vessel distal to the bifurcation and the secondary vessel, or side branch—may be of very different bores with lesions of varying lengths. It is therefore impossible at present to prepare a range of bifurcated stents which can be adapted to all the possible anatomical and pathological variables. It must also be noted that these bifurcated stents, of fixed dimensions, often occlude other branches near the bifurcation lesions, with consequent ischemia or incomplete revascularization.

It is therefore evident that not all bifurcation lesions, and in particular coronary bifurcation lesions, can be dealt with percutaneously.

The above considerations show that the need for an endolumenal device for delivering and deploying an endolumenal expandable prosthesis, which can reach both the branches of a bifurcation safely and rapidly, is widely felt. A need is likewise felt to be able to fit endolumenal prostheses which are morphologically adaptable to the anatomy and to the pathology of the proximal and distal portions of the branches of the bifurcation. In other words, it is desirable to be able to deal with all types of lesions using a single endolumenal device, of the type described above, capable of adapting to a vast range of vessel diameters and lesions of any length. Said endolumenal device must also ensure the accurate deployment of the prosthesis, guaranteeing ample coverage of the bifurcation in order to prevent protrusion of plaque between the various prostheses fitted and the formation of re-stenosis.

Therefore, the object of this invention is to devise and make available an endolumenal device of the type specified above, which will meet all the abovementioned requirements and, at the same time, make it possible to avoid all the pitfalls outlined.

This object is achieved by means of an endolumenal device according to claim 1 and a kit according to claim 33.

Further characteristics and advantages of the endolumenal device according to the invention will become evident from the description that follows of some preferred embodiments, which are given purely by way of indication and without implying any limitation, with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a partially sectioned perspective view of an endolumenal device fitted with a prosthesis;

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a view from beneath, and a side view, of a detail of the device of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4 and 4 a show the enlarged section on IV-IV through the device of FIG. 2, according to two embodiments;

FIG. 5 shows an end view along the arrow V of the endolumenal device of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show a partially sectioned view of the device of FIG. 1 during two stages of use;

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a view from beneath, and a side view, of a detail of an endolumenal device according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows the enlarged section on IX-IX through the device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 shows a front view along the arrow X of the device of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b show a partially sectioned perspective view of the device of FIG. 7 during two stages of use;

FIGS. 12 to 17 c show a section through a ‘T bifurcation’ during eight stages in the implanting of endolumenal prostheses;

FIGS. 17 d and 17 e show in section two alternative stages in the implanting of prostheses in the bifurcation shown in FIG. 17 c;

FIGS. 18 to 23 show a section through a ‘Y bifurcation’ during six stages in the implanting of endolumenal prostheses;

FIGS. 24 and 25 show a view from beneath, and a side view, of an endolumenal device according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 26 shows an enlarged section on XXVI-XXVI through the device of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 shows a view along the arrow XXVII of the device of FIG. 25;

FIGS. 28 and 29 show a view from beneath, and a side view partially sectioned, of details of a fourth embodiment of an endolumenal device;

FIG. 30 shows a view along the arrow XXX of the device of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a portion of a possible embodiment of an endolumenal device sectioned at two points along its longitudinal length;

FIG. 32 is a longitudinal section through a possible embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 32, sectioned on XXXIII-XXXIII as shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a longitudinal section through a possible further embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 34, sectioned on XXXV-XXXV as shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 shows an enlarged cross section through the device shown in FIG. 32 or 34 on XXXVI-XXXVI as shown in FIG. 32 or 34;

FIG. 37 shows the enlarged cross section of FIG. 36 illustrating the device into which a guidewire has been inserted; and

FIG. 38 is a cross section through an endolumenal device in another possible embodiment.

With reference to the above figures, the number 1 indicates as a whole an endolumenal device for delivering and deploying an endolumenal expandable prosthesis or inflatable catheter. For example, the abovementioned device is suitable for deploying an expandable endolumenal prosthesis with a bifurcation having one principal conduit and at least one secondary conduit.

Said endolumenal device includes an elongated body 2 having a distal end portion 3 and a proximal end portion 4. For example, said elongated body 2 is between 100 cm and 160 cm in length, and preferably between 115 cm and 140 cm. The distal end portion 3 includes expansion means, 5, which can be removably engaged with an endolumenal expandable prosthesis 6. Said expansion means 5 can adapt said prosthesis 6 from a radially collapsed to a radially expanded position, in a manner which will be described in greater detail below. The expansion means 5 include a distal portion 7 of the expansion means, a proximal portion 8 of the expansion means and a central portion 5 a of the expansion means to which the prosthesis 6 can be attached. In one embodiment, the distal portion of the elongated body 3 extends beyond the expansion means 5 in an apical portion 9. At the proximal end of the proximal end portion 4 of the elongated body 2, there are means 10 for connecting the endolumenal device 1 to a device of a type known per se for the controlled activation of the expansion means 5.

The endolumenal device 1 also includes guidewire tracking means 11 which extend at least partially along the elongated body 2. For example, said means 11 extend along the distal end portion 3 of the elongated body 2 close to the expansion means 5 (FIG. 1).

Advantageously, the active portion of the expansion means may be longitudinally attached to the elongated body to expand the prosthesis eccentrically to one side with respect to the elongated body so that the other side of the elongated body is left free of said expanded active portion.

Advantageously, said guidewire tracking means 11 comprise a first guidewire lumen 12 which extends at least partially inside the elongated body 2.

In one embodiment of the invention, a first guidewire lumen 12 and a second guidewire lumen 13 extend completely inside the elongated body 2. Distal ports 14, 15 and proximal ports 16, 17 make said first and second lumens 12, 13 able to receive guidewires 24, 25 (FIG. 19).

In one embodiment of the invention, the first guidewire lumen 12 extends entirely inside the elongated body 2. The first guidewire lumen 12 may extend between a distal port 14 and a proximal port 16, connecting with the walls of the elongated body 2 only in the vicinity of the respective distal and proximal ports (FIG. 5).

A second guidewire lumen 13, also extending inside the elongated body 2, remains attached to the wall of the expansion means 5, preferably from a distal port 15 to a proximal port 17 (FIGS. 34, 35). In one possible embodiment, the second guidewire lumen 13 remains attached to the expansion means 5 for a portion of its length, for example comparable to the length of the expansion means 5, from the distal port 15. A second portion of the second guidewire lumen 13 approaching the proximal port 17 remains inside the device but separate from the wall of the actual body and independent of the first guidewire lumen 12 (FIGS. 32, 33).

The distal ports 14, 15 and proximal ports 16, 17 allow guidewires 24, 25 to fit into said first and second lumens 12, 13 (FIG. 19).

The distal ports 14, 15 are preferably spaced out along the elongated body 2. For example, the distal port 14 of the first guidewire lumen 12 is provided at the distal end of the apical portion 9, and the distal port 15 of the second guidewire lumen 13 is provided near the distal end of the expansion means 5 (FIGS. 1-3, 6 a, 6 b, 18-23). The proximal ports 16, 17 are preferably positioned in the portion of the elongated body 2 that lies between its proximal end and the expansion means 5. For example, said ports 16, 17 are located at a distance ranging between 90 cm and 130 cm, and preferably between 105 cm and 115 cm, from the proximal end, or from the connector means 10 (FIG. 1).

In one embodiment of the invention, the second guidewire lumen 13 has at least one additional port 13 a between the distal port 15 and the proximal port 17. For instance, the embodiment seen in FIG. 34 has two additional ports 13 a. One possible embodiment may have a plurality of additional ports 13 a intermediate between the proximal port 17 and the distal port 15, preferably arranged so that the distance between two consecutive ports is constant.

According to one embodiment, said endolumenal device is a balloon catheter for angioplasty, 1. Said balloon catheter 1 comprises a tubular catheter 2, a proximal connector 10, and an inflatable balloon 5.

The catheter body 2 is tubular. The proximal portion 4 of said tubular body 2 is designed to support and push the distal portion 3. Therefore said proximal portion 4 is less flexible than the distal portion, which must be flexible in order to be able to enter the peripheral branches of a vessel. For example, said proximal portion 4 is made of a biocompatible material, such as biomedical steel or nylon™. Moreover, said proximal portion 4 is designed to be received in a guide catheter (not shown and known per se) which is necessary for maintaining accessibility of the lumen of the vessel on which it is necessary to operate even when the endolumenal device 1 is withdrawn. Said guide catheter is also necessary for introducing, for example, a radio-opaque contrast medium into the vessel. The proximal portion 4 of the catheter body, 2 includes an inflation lumen 18 (FIGS. 3, 4 and 4 a, 6 b). Said lumen 18 extends from the proximal end of the catheter body 2 to the inflatable balloon 5.

The proximal connector 10, for example a connector commonly known as a “Luer”, is provided at the proximal end of said portion 4 and forms the abovementioned means of connection of the endolumenal device 1 to the device for the controlled activation of the balloon 5. For example, said connector connects the inflation lumen 18 of the balloon 5 to a pressurized fluid source.

The balloon 5 is associated with the distal portion 3 of the catheter body 2 to form an inflation chamber 19 which at least partially surrounds the catheter body (FIG. 3). The inflation chamber 19 is delimited by a balloon wall 20 equipped with an external envelope 22. Said inflation chamber 19 is in communication with the inflation lumen 18. In one embodiment, the balloon includes, between a distal portion 7 and a proximal portion 8, a central portion 5 a. Said central portion 5 a, when it is in a radially expanded, or inflated, position, is roughly cylindrical. The balloon wall 20 in one embodiment is non-extendable or rigid when subjected to pressurized fluid. Therefore the balloon wall 20, when it is in a radially collapsed position, is folded around the catheter body 2, for example it is threefolded or, in other words, forms three folds 21 (FIG. 6 a). By means of the external envelope 22, the balloon wall 20 can be removably fitted with an endolumenal prosthesis. For example, the external envelope is removably fitted with an endovascular stent of metallic tubular mesh, plastically deformable from a radially collapsed condition to a radially expanded condition, which can be fixed by pressure to the internal surface of a vessel wall. For this reason, the diameter of the central cylindrical portion 5 a, when the balloon is radially expanded or inflated by pressurized fluid injected through the inflation lumen 18, is such as to fix said prosthesis to the wall of the vessel by pressure (FIG. 6 b).

In one embodiment of the invention, a longitudinal portion of the balloon wall 20 is associated internally with the catheter body 2. In other words, said wall 20 is fixed along its entire length to the catheter body, so that when the balloon 5 changes from the radially collapsed or deflated position to the radially expanded or inflated position, said balloon 5 will extend preferably eccentrically or asymmetrically with respect to the catheter body 2, or in other words, on only one side of the body (FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 b).

The distal portion 7 and the proximal portion 8 of the balloon 5 are advantageously pointed in shape. In particular, said portions are frustoconical.

Advantageously, the tubular catheter body 2 includes sheath means or sleeve means 23, for example a flexible conduit. For example, said sheath means are an integral part of the elongated body. The sheath means 23 include a tubular body through which run a number of longitudinal lumens, 12, 13 forming the abovementioned guidewire lumens. The guidewire lumens 13, 14, or sections of these, advantageously run in parallel along the elongated body. Said lumens debouch at the ends of the sheath means with the abovementioned guidewire ports 14, 15, 16, 17. Said sheath means 23 are located inside the tubular catheter body 2 in such a way as to leave a space (which forms the abovementioned inflation lumen 18) along the entire length of that portion of the catheter body 2 which is situated between the proximal connector 10 and the balloon 5. Preferably, said sheath means are attached for their entire length to the portion of the wall of the catheter body opposite the inflation chamber 19 (FIGS. 3, 4, 4 a and 6 b). The ends of the sheath means 23 are attached to the wall of the catheter body in such a way as to make the guidewire lumens accessible from outside the catheter body through the guidewire ports.

It is particularly advantageous when said sheath means 23 are attached to the catheter body so that they debouch in a first distal guidewire port 14 of the first guidewire lumen 12 distant from a second distal guidewire port 15 of the second guidewire lumen 13.

In particular, said sheath means extend to the tip of the distal portion 3 of the catheter body 2 in such a way as to debouch with the first distal guidewire port to the tip of the apical tract 9.

In one possible embodiment (FIGS. 32 and 34), the sheath means 23 comprise a tubular body pierced longitudinally by the first lumen 12 forming the guidewire lumen described above. This sheath extends through the elongated body 2 from the proximal end portion 4 to the distal end portion 3. The second guidewire lumen 13, or at least a section of the latter, advantageously runs through the elongated body 2 attached to the expansion means 5, that is in the balloon wall 20. The wall part 20 that houses the second guidewire lumen 13 is preferably the balloon part that can expand asymmetrically with respect to the elongated body 2. In one possible embodiment, the guidewire lumen 13 runs inside the balloon wall 20 from its proximal port 17 to its distal port 15 (FIG. 34). In a different embodiment, only a portion of the second guidewire lumen 13 runs inside the balloon wall 20, preferably the portion corresponding to the extension of the expansion means 5, that is extending from the distal port 15 to an intermediate point of the wall. From this intermediate point and as far as the proximal port 17, the second lumen 13 may run independently inside the elongated body 2 defined by other sheath means 23 a (FIG. 32).

The first lumen 12 has an open end at one end of the sheath means with the above-described guidewire ports 14 and 16. The lumen 13 ends at the end of the balloon wall 20 with the above-described guidewire ports 15 and 17 and, if desired, with the additional one or more ports 13 a. Said sheath means 23, and, if desired, the additional sheath means 23 a, are located inside the tubular catheter body 2 in such a way as to leave a space, forming the abovementioned inflation lumen 18, along the full length of the catheter body 2 situated between the proximal connector 10 and the balloon 5.

In a further embodiment of the invention, for example thanks to the asymmetrical position of the balloon 5 with respect to the catheter body 2, the second distal guidewire port 15 is positioned along the catheter body 2 so as to allow the second guidewire lumen 13 to debouch at the distal end of the central portion 5 a of the balloon, or in other words, so as to be positioned just outside the prosthesis 6 attachable to the balloon 5 (FIGS. 1 to 6 b).

In a further embodiment of the invention, the second distal guidewire port 15 is positioned along the catheter body in such a way that the second guidewire lumen 13 debouches at a point located between the distal portion 7 and the proximal portion 8 of the balloon 5, and in particular at a point of the wall opposite the central portion 5 a attachable to the prosthesis 6. For example, said port 15 is located near the centre line of said central portion, 5 a. Preferably, the prosthesis 6, which can be attached to said catheter 1, has a window 26 designed to prevent obstruction of said distal guidewire port 15 when it is fitted on the balloon, 5. For example, the prosthesis 6 has a wider mesh 26 than the other meshes of the prosthesis, and at the same time of a size close to that of the ostium of access to the lumen of the branch on which it is necessary to operate, or only slightly smaller. Alternatively, the balloon can be fitted with a number of prostheses, placed side by side in order to avoid obstructing said port 15.

Preferably, the proximal guidewire ports 16, 17 are located in a portion of the catheter body 2 which, during use of the catheter 1, remains sheathed in the guide catheter. Alternatively, said ports 16, 17 are located at the proximal end of the catheter body. In this case the balloon catheter 1 is fitted with a proximal connector 10 with at least two channels. A first channel for the admission of the pressurized fluid into the inflation lumen 18, and a second channel for passing the guidewires 24, 25 along. For example, said proximal guidewire ports are located at a distance from the tip of the catheter ranging between 15 cm and 35 cm, and preferably between 20 cm and 30 cm.

Advantageously, radio-opaque markers 30 and 31 are associated with the catheter body 2 (FIG. 3). For example, said markers are located along the catheter body 2 at the distal and proximal ends of the prosthesis 6.

Said catheter body also includes radio-opaque markers for the identification of the position along said body of the distal 14, 15, and/or proximal 16, 17 guidewire ports of the guidewire lumens 13, 14.

In another embodiment, both the guidewire lumens 12 and 13, or at least a section of these, advantageously run in the wall of the elongated body 2. This section preferably corresponds to the longitudinal section of the expansion means 5. In another embodiment, there are more than two guidewire lumens in the balloon wall 20, preferably three arranged at 120° from each other (FIG. 38). In this latter embodiment, it is possible to avoid the guidewire lumen 12 positioned inside the elongated body 2, as described earlier.

The subject of the present invention also comprises a kit for delivering and positioning an endolumenal expandable prosthesis. Said kit comprises an endolumenal device, 1, as described above, at least one pair of guidewires 24, 25, and at least one expandable prosthesis 6 radially associated with the expansion means 5 of said endolumenal device 1. Said prosthesis comprises a tubular prosthesis body adaptable from a radially collapsed condition, of minimal external diameter, to a radially expanded condition, of extended external diameter greater than the collapsed external diameter.

For example, said kit for delivering and positioning an endolumenal expandable prosthesis comprises at least one first radially expandable prosthesis associated with the proximal portion of the expansion means of said endolumenal device and also comprises at least one second radially expandable prosthesis associated with the distal portion of the expansion means of said endolumenal device, or alternatively a single prosthesis overlapping said proximal and distal portions of the expansion means.

Each of the guidewires of said kit includes means of identification, such as for example the colour of at least a proximal portion of the guidewire, or a diameter of the cross section of a proximal portion of the guidewire which differs for each guidewire.

Said guidewires advantageously comprise an elastically flexible distal end portion.

In particular, said guidewires include initial proximal sections which are positionable along a proximal section of path common to all the guidewires, and secondary distal sections which are positionable along distal sections of path which diverge and form with said proximal section of path a bifurcation. It is particularly advantageous for at least one of said guidewires to include an elastically flexible distal portion which extends at least to straddle said bifurcation.

It is furthermore advantageous for said guidewires to include radio-opaque markers, for example located at the tip of the distal portion.

A description of the working of an endolumenal device according to this invention follows.

In particular, the operations necessary for guiding an endolumenal device along guidewires 24, 25 are described below. Said guidewires are located along a common proximal section of path and a diverging distal section of path, forming a bifurcation between said sections. The above method comprises the following stages:

-   -   said endolumenal device is fitted onto a proximal end of a first         guidewire so that said first guidewire is received in a first         guidewire lumen through its distal guidewire port;     -   said endolumenal device is fitted onto a proximal end of a         second guidewire so that said second guidewire is received in a         second guidewire lumen through its distal guidewire port;     -   said endolumenal device is advanced along said guidewires until         at least part of the distal end portion of the elongated body is         positioned beyond the bifurcation of the guidewires.

Advantageously, it is possible to envisage a further method of guiding an endolumenal device along guidewires 24, 25, in which said guidewires are positioned along a common proximal section of path and a diverging, distal section of path, forming between said sections a bifurcation. This further method includes the following stages:

-   -   said endolumenal device is fitted onto a proximal end of a first         guidewire so that said first guidewire is received in a first         guidewire lumen through its distal guidewire port;     -   said endolumenal device is fitted onto a proximal end of a         second guidewire so that said second guidewire is received in a         second guidewire lumen through its distal guidewire port;     -   said endolumenal device is advanced along said guidewires until         at least part of the distal end portion of the elongated body         lies on a distal divergent section of path of one of the         guidewires.

The steps of a method for fitting radially expandable prostheses to the walls of branches forming a ‘T bifurcation’ 32 are described below (FIGS. 12 to 17 e). Said bifurcation 32 comprises a principal conduit 33 and a secondary conduit 34 that branches off from a wall of the principal conduit 33. The abovementioned method comprises the following steps:

A kit as described above, and in particular a kit which comprises an endolumenal device having a distal guidewire port located inside a central portion of the expansion means, is prepared.

Then, through a proximal section of the principal conduit, a first guidewire is positioned in the principal conduit so that it passes the bifurcation, and a second guidewire is positioned in the secondary conduit. Said guidewires are positioned in such a way as to follow an initial proximal section of path together and second distal sections of path that diverge at said bifurcation (FIG. 12).

Next, a first endolumenal device equipped with a radially expandable prosthesis is fitted onto a distal end of the second guidewire, so that said second guidewire is received in a guidewire lumen of the endolumenal device through a distal guidewire port located on the tip of its elongated body.

Said first endolumenal device is inserted into said conduits following the proximal and then the distal sections of path of the second guidewire in order to position the radially expandable prosthesis in the secondary conduit so that its proximal edge is positioned near a mouth of said secondary conduit (FIG. 13).

Said expandable means are then activated so that said prosthesis is in its radially expanded condition and fixed by pressure to the wall of the secondary conduit (FIG. 14).

Next, said expansion means are withdrawn and the first endolumenal device is withdrawn from the second guidewire until it has been removed from the conduits.

A second endolumenal device equipped with a radially expandable prosthesis is fitted onto a proximal end of the first guidewire so that said first guidewire is received in a first guidewire lumen through its distal guidewire port located on the tip of the endolumenal device, and said second endolumenal device is fitted onto a proximal end of the second guidewire so that said second guidewire is received in a second guidewire lumen through its distal guidewire port located on the portion of elongated body that lies between a distal and a proximal end of the expansion means.

Said endolumenal device is inserted into the principal conduit and slid along the proximal section of path of the guidewires until a distal portion of the endolumenal device, located between the tip of said device and the distal guidewire port of the second guidewire lumen, is positioned beyond the bifurcation (FIG. 16).

The expandable means of said second device are activated so as to bring said prosthesis into its radially expanded condition and fixed by pressure to the wall of the primary conduit and straddling the bifurcation (FIG. 17 a).

Finally said expansion means are withdrawn and then the second endolumenal device is withdrawn from the guidewires until it has been removed from the conduits.

Further steps which make it possible to adapt the previously implanted prostheses in order to cover the lesion completely are described below.

A third endolumenal device without a prosthesis is fitted onto the second guidewire, positioning it to straddle the bifurcation so that a distal portion of the expansion means enters the secondary conduit and a proximal portion of the expansion means is positioned in the principal conduit.

The expansion means of the third device are then activated so as to adapt a portion of the prosthesis in the principal conduit facing the mouth or lateral window of the secondary conduit to the shape of the lumen of said secondary conduit (FIG. 17 c).

Said expansion means are withdrawn and then the third endolumenal device is withdrawn from the second guidewire until it has been removed from the conduits (FIG. 17 e).

By inflating the third endolumenal device (for example a balloon catheter for angioplasty) straddling the bifurcation, the mesh of the prosthesis implanted in the principal conduit is moulded so that it surrounds the ostium of the secondary conduit perfectly, and guarantees perfect coverage of the damaged area (FIG. 17 c). Alternatively, particularly in the case of larger diameter or larger bore conduits it is possible to insert two balloon catheters simultaneously, fitting them on the guidewires 24, 25, so that they are paired and straddle the bifurcation, one in the principal conduit and the second partially in the secondary conduit and partially in the principal conduit. Simultaneous expansion of the two balloons both shapes the prostheses so that they match and form a continuous support structure which covers the entire extension of the lesion and creates, in the area of the bifurcation, a funnel-shaped area which joins the principal and the secondary branches and promotes non-vortical circulation of fluid in the conduits or vessels.

The stages of the method described above may also be reversed, implanting first the principal vessel and then the secondary vessel.

In view of the above procedures it is evident that the implanting of a prosthesis in the principal vessel causes the plaque 39 to obstruct the ostium of the secondary vessel or vice versa. Thanks to the fact that, using the device according to the invention, the application of a first prosthesis in a vessel is always carried out leaving a second guidewire in a second branch, in spite of the presence in the mouth of the same of a wall of plaque caused by snow-plow or plaque-shifting. It is therefore always possible to insert in the second branch a device for the application of a second prosthesis. Using known prior-art devices it is not possible to operate simultaneously with two guidewires always present in the two branches of the bifurcation because a second guidewire not positioned inside the prior-art device would be externally walled by the prosthesis and rendered unusable. In other words, with the prior-art device it is necessary to proceed using only one guidewire. With the device according to the invention, however, it is possible to effect the swift exchange of the endolumenal device on guidewires which remain in situ, it being possible to withdraw the endolumenal device from a first branch of the bifurcation to reinsert the same device or a second device in a second branch with extreme rapidity.

The steps for a further method for fitting radially expandable prostheses to the walls of the branches of conduits forming a ‘Y bifurcation’ 35 are described below. Said bifurcation comprises a proximal principal conduit 36 and a first and a second secondary distal conduits 37, 38 which branch off from a distal end of the principal conduit, forming between them a carina. Said method comprises the following steps.

A kit as described above is prepared, and in particular a kit comprising an endolumenal device fitted with a distal guidewire port located near the distal edge of a prosthesis fitted on the expansion means, and a second distal guidewire port located at the tip of the device, or apical port.

Through the principal conduit a first guidewire is positioned in the first secondary conduit and a second guidewire in the second secondary conduit, said guidewires being positioned so as to follow a first proximal section of path together and second distal section of path that diverge after said bifurcation (FIG. 18).

A first endolumenal device equipped with a radially expandable prosthesis is fitted onto a proximal end of the first guidewire, so that said first guidewire is received in a guidewire lumen of the endolumenal device through its distal guidewire port located at the tip of its elongated body.

Said first endolumenal device is fitted onto a proximal end of the second guidewire so that said second guidewire is received in a second guidewire lumen through its distal guidewire port located near the stent distal edge, just beyond the prosthesis.

Said first endolumenal device is inserted into said conduits following the proximal section of path until the carina is positioned against the elongated body and near the distal guidewire port positioned near the distal end of the expansion means (FIG. 19).

Said expandable means are activated so as to bring said prosthesis into its radially expanded condition, fixed by pressure to the wall of the principal conduit (FIG. 20).

Said expansion means are withdrawn and the first endolumenal device is then withdrawn from the guidewires.

A second endolumenal device equipped with a radially expandable prosthesis is fitted onto a proximal end of the first guidewire so that said guidewire is received in a guidewire lumen through its distal guidewire port located on the tip of said second endolumenal device.

A third endolumenal device equipped with a radially expandable prosthesis is fitted, at the same time as the second endolumenal device, onto a proximal end of the second guidewire so that said second guidewire is received in a guidewire lumen through its distal guidewire port located on the tip of said third endolumenal device.

Said second and third endolumenal devices are simultaneously inserted into the principal conduit and slid along the proximal section of path of the guidewires and then along the respective distal sections of path of said guidewires, until the expansion means are positioned in a proximal portion of said first and second secondary conduits, so that a proximal edge of the expansion means is positioned near the carina. In particular, care is taken to ensure that the proximal edge of both the second and third prostheses is in contact with the distal edge of the first prosthesis, already positioned and expanded in the principal lumen (FIG. 21).

The expansion means of said second and third endolumenal devices are activated in order to bring the respective prostheses into a radially expanded condition fixed by pressure to the walls of said first and second conduits (FIG. 22).

Said expansion means are withdrawn and then the second and third endolumenal devices are withdrdawn from the guidewires until they have been removed from the conduits (FIG. 23).

The above description shows how the use of at least two guidewire lumens which extend at least partially along the inside of the elongated body makes it possible to fit the endolumenal device simultaneously on at least two guidewires. In this manner, once at least two guidewires have been inserted in the branches of a bifurcation, it will be possible to insert and withdraw the endolumenal device from a first branch of the bifurcation without ever losing rapid access to all the branches already negotiated, i.e. reached by guidewires. In other words, it will be possible to maintain uninterrupted access or vascular approach to all the branches of the vascular system on which it is necessary to operate and in which a guidewire has been inserted or, in yet other words, using the device proposed it is no longer necessary to break through the wall of plaque 39 which obstructs the ostium of the branch by snow-plow or plaque-shifting.

Thanks to the endolumenal device according to the invention it will also be possible to position accurately a first endovascular prosthesis in the principal vessel always with precise positioning and complete distension or application of the prosthesis over the entire area of the lesion, thus reducing the probability of re-stenosis and avoiding the pitfalls of the known techniques.

Advantageously, the endolumenal device proposed allows extreme flexibility and modularity in the application of the endolumenal prostheses. Thus, if the expansion means are positioned exactly straddling the bifurcation it is possible to implant endolumenal prostheses of exactly the correct length and diameter for the dimensions of the segment of damaged vessel to be treated, by means of the proximal and distal portions of the expansion means.

With further advantage, each portion of the expansion means makes it possible to implant a number of endolumenal prostheses of optimal diameter and length for the anatomy of the damaged vascular branch.

When expansion means fitted to the endolumenal prostheses are in the collapsed position, the device according to the invention is of reduced transverse bulk, making it possible to reach peripheral branches extremely easily and rapidly (trackability).

Together with the versatility of application of prostheses adapted to different branches of the bifurcation, the device proposed also makes it possible to join prostheses, or, in other words, it allows total coverage of the damaged area, avoiding prolapse of atheromatous material and reducing the probability of re-stenosis.

A further advantage derives from the fact that, using the endolumenal device according to the invention, the geometry of the prosthesis is not distorted and the vascular anatomy is respected. In contrast, distortion of the prosthesis is inevitable when endolumenal devices according to the prior art are used.

Obviously, variations and/or additions to what is described above and illustrated may be envisaged.

Alternatively to a balloon with rigid walls threefolded onto the catheter body for insertion into the lumen of a vessel, as described above, it is possible to envisage the use of a compliant or extensible balloon.

Other possible variations are:

-   -   the catheter of the type described above, single operator         exchange or monorail, may alternatively be of the over the wire         type, that is with opening of the proximal guidewire lumens at         the proximal end of the elongated body;     -   one of the at least two guidewire lumens may always be occupied         by a guidewire and may be inserted in the conduit, or vessel,         together with the endolumenal device. Preferably, in this case,         the guidewire is fastened to or is an integral part of the         elongated body of the endolumenal device, for example extending         from the apical portion of this (fixed wire).     -   the catheter may also be of the perfusion balloon type in which         passages are provided for fluid flow when the balloon is         inflated: these provide communication between the portions of         elongated body above and below the expansion means (passages for         the blood in the body to prevent temporary occlusion of the         vessel during the application of the prosthesis and the         inflation of the balloon).     -   the endovascular prosthesis may be modular. For example it is         possible to provide a series of prostheses of set diameters and         a series of set lengths which the operator can attach to the         proximal and distal portions of the expansion means, making them         extremely flexible or, in other words, making it possible to         adapt the prosthesis perfectly to the pathological requirements         of the moment, or in other words, to the size of the lesion and         the bore of the lumen of the vessel on which it is necessary to         operate.

As an alternative to the above description, illustrated by FIGS. 3 and 8, at least one portion of said at least one pair of guidewire lumens 12, 13 forms a single guidewire lumen (FIGS. 28, 29 and 30).

Advantageously, the distal guidewire port 15 of a second guidewire lumen 13 is located near a proximal end of the expansion means 5 (FIGS. 31, 32). A conduit 27, for example a flexible conduit, preferably longitudinally elastic, is functionally connected through its proximal port 28 to said distal guidewire port 15. Said conduit 27 has a distal guidewire port 15 a and, being attached along its entire length to the external surface of the expansion means 5, said distal port 15 a is located in the central portion 5 a of said expansion means 5. In this case, advantageously, the expansion means, for example a balloon 5, expand symmetrically to the elongated body 2.

In a further embodiment of the invention, said expansion means are designed to hold a self-expanding prosthesis in a radially folded position and release it in a controlled manner so that it takes up a radially expanded position. Said expansion means include a sheath designed to receive in a sheath lumen said self-expanding prosthesis. Said sheath can advantageously be adapted in controlled manner from a first constricted position in which the self-expanding prosthesis is confined in said lumen of the sheath, to a second released position, in which said prosthesis is released from said lumen of the sheath so that said prosthesis is radially free, to bring itself into the radially expanded condition.

Such a device can be advantageously used in the artificial conduits of biomedical equipment that connects up to the patient's body. For example, a device of the type described above can be used for delivering, positioning and installing an element for the repair of the walls of a conduit accidentally damaged during the use of the abovementioned machinery.

A person skilled in the art could make numerous changes and adaptations to the preferred embodiment of the endolumenal device described above or substitute elements with others functionally equivalent, in order to meet contingent and specific requirements, without however departing from the scope of the following claims. 

1-6. (canceled)
 7. An endolumenal device for delivering and positioning an endolumenal expandable prosthesis for a bifurcation between a principal conduit and at least one secondary conduit, comprising: an elongated body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; the distal end portion of said elongated body comprising expansion device having a longitudinally extended active portion removably engageable with the endolumenal expandable prosthesis and adapted to adjust said prosthesis from a radially collapsed condition to a radially expanded condition; a guidewire tracking device extending at least partially along said elongated body; wherein said guidewire tracking device comprises at least one pair of guidewire lumens, at least one of said guidewire lumens extending at least partially remaining attached to the wall of said expansion device and having at least one distal port on a side opposite the expansion device and adapted to receive through said port a portion of at least one guidewire positionable with its distal portion in said principal conduit or in said at least one secondary conduit and wherein said guidewire tracking device comprise at least one of said guidewire lumens in an approximately central position with respect to said expansion device considered in cross section at right angles to the endolumenal device.
 8. The endolumenal device, according to claim 7, wherein said lumens attached to the wall are two or three in number.
 9. The endolumenal device, according to claim 7, wherein said guidewire lumens have distal guidewire ports spaced out along said elongated body.
 10. The endolumenal device, according to claim 9, wherein a first guidewire lumen has said distal guidewire port at the free end or tip of said distal end portion of the elongated body.
 11. The endolumenal device, according to claim 9, wherein a second guidewire lumen has said distal guidewire port near a distal end of the expansion device.
 12. The endolumenal device, according to claim 9, wherein a second guidewire lumen has said distal port in a portion of the elongated body that lies between a distal end and a proximal end of the expansion device.
 13. The endolumenal device, according to claim 12, wherein said distal guidewire port of said second guidewire lumen is provided near the centre line of that portion of the elongated body (2) that lies between said distal and proximal ends of the expansion device.
 14. The endolumenal device, according to claim 7, wherein said guidewire lumens have proximal guidewire ports located in portions of the elongated body located, with respect to the expansion device, at the opposite end from its distal end.
 15. The endolumenal device, according to claim 14, wherein said proximal ports are located at the proximal tip of the proximal portion of the elongated body.
 16. The endolumenal device, according to claim 7, wherein portions of the guidewire lumens of said at least one pair of guidewire lumens run in parallel inside the elongated body.
 17. The endolumenal device, according to claim 7, wherein at least one portion of said at least one pair of guidewire lumens forms a single guidewire lumen.
 18. The endolumenal device, according to claim 9, wherein the distal guidewire port of a second guidewire lumen is located near a proximal end of the expansion device.
 19. The endolumenal device, according to claim 18, further comprising a conduit, said conduit is functionally connected to said distal guidewire port, said conduit having a distal guidewire port and being attached along its entire length to the external surface of the expansion device.
 20. The endolumenal device, according to claim 7, wherein the guidewire lumens have distal ports located near a proximal end of the expansion device.
 21. The endolumenal device, according to claim 20, wherein conduits are functionally connected to said distal guidewire ports, said conduits being attached for portions of their length to the external surface of the expansion device.
 22. The endolumenal device, according to claim 7, wherein said expansion device is a balloon.
 23. The endolumenal device, according to claim 22, wherein said balloon is functionally connected to an inflation lumen extending between the proximal and distal end portions of the elongated body.
 24. The endolumenal device, according to claim 23, wherein the proximal end portion of the elongated body comprises a device for connection to a fluid, said device for connection is in communication with an inflation lumen which is adapted to functionally couple with a pressurized fluid source.
 25. The endolumenal device, according to claim 22, wherein said balloon, under the effect of pressurized fluid, is expandable asymmetrically with respect to the elongated body.
 26. The endolumenal device, according to claim 25, wherein said balloon expands laterally with respect to the elongated body.
 27. The endolumenal device, according to claim 26, wherein said balloon has a portion between a distal end and a proximal end in contact with the elongated body.
 28. The endolumenal device, according to claim 27, wherein the elongated body is attached internally to the wall of the balloon.
 29. The endolumenal device, according to claim 27, wherein the elongated body is attached externally to the wall of the balloon.
 30. The endolumenal device, according to claim 22, wherein said balloon has a distal portion and a proximal portion which are pointed in shape.
 31. The endolumenal device, according to claim 30, wherein said distal and proximal portions of the balloon are frustoconical.
 32. The endolumenal device, according to claim 7, wherein the elongated body includes radio-opaque markers for the identification of the position along said body of the distal and/or proximal guidewire ports of the guidewire lumens.
 33. The endolumenal device, according to claim 7, wherein the elongated body includes radio-opaque markers for the identification of the position along said body of a distal and/or proximal end of the expansion device.
 34. The endolumenal device, according to claim 7, wherein said expansion device are designed to hold a self-expanding prosthesis in a radially collapsed position and release it in a controlled manner so that it assumes a radially expanded position.
 35. The endolumenal device, according to claim 34, wherein said expansion device comprise a sheath to receive said self-expanding prosthesis in a sheath lumen, said sheath being adaptable in a controlled manner from a first constricted position, in which said prosthesis is confined in said sheath lumen, to a second release position, in which said prosthesis is released from said sheath lumen, becoming radially free to move into the radially expanded condition.
 36. The endolumenal device, according to claim 7, wherein said pair of guidewire lumens extend entirely inside said elongated body.
 37. An endolumenal device for delivering and positioning an endolumenal expandable prosthesis for a bifurcation between a principal conduit and at least one secondary conduit, comprising: an elongated body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; the distal end portion of said elongated body comprising expansion device having a longitudinally extended active portion removably engageable with the endolumenal expandable prosthesis and adapted to adjust said prosthesis from a radially collapsed condition to a radially expanded condition; a guidewire tracking device extending at least partially along said elongated body; wherein said guidewire tracking device comprises at least one pair of guidewire lumens, at least one of said guidewire lumens extending at least partially remaining attached to the wall of said expansion device and having at least one distal port on a side opposite the expansion device and adapted to receive through said port a portion of at least one guidewire positionable with its distal portion in said principal conduit or in said at least one secondary conduit, and wherein said lumens attached to the wall are two or three in number.
 38. A kit for delivering and positioning an endolumenal expandable prosthesis, comprising: an endolumenal device for delivering and positioning an endolumenal expandable prosthesis for a bifurcation between a principal conduit and at least one secondary conduit, comprising: an elongated body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; the distal end portion of said elongated body comprising expansion device having a longitudinally extended active portion removably engageable with the endolumenal expandable prosthesis and adapted to adjust said prosthesis from a radially collapsed condition to a radially expanded condition; a guidewire tracking device extending at least partially along said elongated body, wherein said guidewire tracking device comprises at least one pair of guidewire lumens, at least one of said guidewire lumens extending at least partially remaining attached to the wall of said expansion device and having at least one distal port on a side opposite the expansion device and adapted to receive through said port a portion of at least one guidewire positionable with its distal portion in said principal conduit or in said at least one secondary conduit and wherein said guidewire tracking device comprise at least one of said guidewire lumens in an approximately central position with respect to said expansion device considered in cross section at right angles to the endolumenal device; at least one pair of guidewires; at least one radially expandable prosthesis attached to the expansion device of said endolumenal device, said prosthesis having a tubular prosthesis body adaptable from a radially collapsed condition, of collapsed external diameter, to a radially expanded condition, of extended external diameter greater than the collapsed external diameter.
 39. A kit for delivering and positioning an endolumenal expandable prosthesis, comprising: an endolumenal device for delivering and positioning an endolumenal expandable prosthesis for a bifurcation between a principal conduit and at least one secondary conduit, said device comprising an elongated body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; the distal end portion of said elongated body comprising expansion device having a longitudinally extended active portion removably engageable with the endolumenal expandable prosthesis and adapted to adjust said prosthesis from a radially collapsed condition to a radially expanded condition; a guidewire tracking device extending at least partially along said elongated body, wherein said guidewire tracking device comprises at least one pair of guidewire lumens, at least one of said guidewire lumens extending at least partially remaining attached to the wall of said expansion device and having at least one distal port on a side opposite the expansion device and adapted to receive through said port a portion of at least one guidewire positionable with its distal portion in said principal conduit or in said at least one secondary conduit, and wherein said guidewire tracking device comprise at least one of said guidewire lumens in an approximately central position with respect to said expansion device considered in cross section at right angles to the endolumenal device, wherein said distal port is located between a first proximal portion of the expansion device and a second distal portion of the expansion device; said guidewire lumens have distal guidewire ports spaced out along said elongated body; a second guidewire lumen having said distal port in a portion of the elongated body that lies between a distal end and a proximal end of the expansion device; at least one pair of guidewires; at least one first radially expandable prosthesis attached to the proximal portion of the expansion device of said endolumenal device, said prosthesis having a tubular prosthesis body adaptable from a radially collapsed condition, of collapsed external diameter, to a radially expanded condition, of extended external diameter greater than the collapsed external diameter; at least one second radially expandable prosthesis attached to the distal portion of the expansion device of said endolumenal device, said prosthesis having a tubular prosthesis body adaptable from a radially collapsed condition, of collapsed external diameter, to a radially expanded condition, of extended external diameter greater than the collapsed external diameter.
 40. The kit, according to claim 38, wherein said-prosthesis is a stent.
 41. The kit, according to claim 38, wherein each of said guidewires includes device of identification.
 42. The kit, according to claim 41, wherein said device of identification are the color of at least a proximal portion of the guidewire.
 43. The kit, according to claim 41, wherein said device of identification is a diameter of the cross section of a proximal portion of the guidewire.
 44. The kit, according to claim 38, wherein said guidewires comprise an elastically flexible distal end portion.
 45. The kit, according to claim 38, wherein said guidewires include initial proximal sections which are positionable along a proximal section of path common to all the guidewires, and second distal sections positionable along distal sections of path which diverge and form a bifurcation with said proximal section of path, in which at least one of said guidewires includes an elastically flexible distal portion which extends at least to straddle said bifurcation.
 46. The kit, according to claim 38, wherein said guidewires include radio-opaque markers.
 47. The endolumenal device, according to claim 37, wherein said lumens attached to the wall are three in number and are arranged at 120° from each other.
 48. The endolumenal device, according to claim 7, wherein said at least one of said guidewire lumens extends at least partially remaining attached to the wall of said expansion device for a distance equal to the longitudinal length of said expansion device.
 49. The endolumenal device, according to claim 7, wherein said at least one of said guidewire lumens extends remaining attached to the wall of said expansion device from a proximal port thereof to a distal port thereof.
 50. The endolumenal device, according to claim 7, wherein said at least one of said guidewire lumens that extends at least partially remaining attached to the wall of said expansion device comprises a proximal port, a distal port and at least one intermediate additional port between said distal port and said proximal port.
 51. The endolumenal device, according to claim 50, wherein said at least one additional port is in a balloon wall of the expansion device.
 52. The endolumenal device, according to claim 50, further comprising are a plurality of intermediate additional ports between said distal port and said proximal port, the distance between two consecutive ports being approximately constant. 